Things Organized People Would Never Keep in Their Bathrooms

Makeup and Multiples

The bathroom seems like a perfect place to store makeup and back-ups, but aside from the products you use daily, it’s better not to keep makeup here.

“Organized people use all the toiletries they have or give them away,” pro-organizer Julie Leonard, says. “These items have a shelf life, and I encourage you to use them and enjoy them every day.”

Your daily foundation and mascara can stay, but some products should be safely stored elsewhere. Saltman notes that specialty makeup items that you use infrequently should be kept out to extend their life. Stay on top of expiration dates, too!

Medicines

Despite the name “medicine cabinet,” this is not the place for said medicines, according to Saltman and Leonard.

“This may seem shocking, but many medications specifically say to keep them in a cool and dry place,” Saltman says—and the bathroom certainly isn’t that.

The best spot for these items is the kitchen. Leonard suggests creating “a health shelf,” which will make it quick and easy to reach for what you need. In the bathroom, instead of stocking your drawers and cupboards with various tablets, pills, and vitamins, use this space for towels, toothpaste, and soap.

Books and Magazines

It’s not uncommon to see bathrooms and magazines stacked in a bathroom, but this isn’t the best place for them. Saltman explains that moisture and temperature changes will degrade the papers, so it’s best to steer clear of storing them here.

If it’s more for decorative reasons, there are alternatives to try. Look for framed artwork protected by glass and plants that thrive in humid environments for added flair instead. This saves you from having to replace your favorite canvases, novels, and papers over time.

Extra Stock

The most organized people know that the bathroom isn’t the place to store extra rolls of toilet paper, cotton balls, and replacement body wash. Have a separate closet in a drier area of your home where you can keep all cleaning products and extra stock.

If you do set aside a special spot for inventory, make sure to stay on top of it.

“Organized people don’t run out of toilet paper or have seven shampoo bottles,” Leonard notes—maintaining balance is important.

Items Without a Permanent “Home”

This concept in general is a very useful way to audit the items in your bathroom and make sure nothing is unintentionally causing clutter. Leonard says to consider your toothbrush.

“In over 30 years, I think I have only come across one person who would misplace their toothbrush,” she explains. “Organized people have a place for everything and don’t have things in their bathroom that don’t have a designated spot.”

In other words, if there’s a product in your bathroom that keeps hanging around but doesn’t have a permanent home like your toothbrush, it’s time to get it out for good. This could be piles of clothes, jewelry pieces, and hot tools.

Expert’s Tips to Keep Your Bathroom Tidy

Lauren Saltman, professional organizer and owner of Living Simplified, notes that it’s normal to use every square inch of space you have, including in the bathroom. But if you can help it, it’s better to find storage elsewhere.

“The constant change in humidity may be great for a houseplant or two but can easily damage some of your household items,” she says.

A good rule of thumb is if you’re not using the item in the bathroom, then it should not be stored in that space. There are a few more nuances to this, but it’s a great starting point for a bathroom declutter.